Exposed

South Yorkshire yobs fined over racist behaviour on train

South Yorkshire yobs have been fined for their behaviour on a train after a Britain First demonstration.

The men, all members of the self-named ‘South Yorkshire Casuals’ group, were fined at Barnsley Magistrates Court after they started chanting religiously offensive songs as they travelled between Leeds and Barnsley.

Dale Kelk, aged 33 of Woodhall Road, Darfield, Barnsley; Julian Jones, 42, of Ravenna Close, Kendray, Barnsley and Paul Collins, 35, of Lindsey Avenue, Parson Cross, Sheffield, were part of a larger group of men which had travelled from South Yorkshire intending to go to a Britain First demonstration in Dewsbury in January.

But the court heard that the group was intercepted at Leeds railway station by British Transport Police officers who were concerned about their behaviour.

They were advised against attending the demonstration and issued with dispersal notices banning them from the area .

The group was escorted back to South Yorkshire on a train by a number of British Transport Police officers.

The court heard the group began chanting and despite being asked by officers to quieten down, Kelk, Jones and Collins ‘persisted to display unacceptable behaviour’.

They were arrested as the train stopped at Barnsley station.

Kelk pleaded guilty to a public order offence and was fined £133 and ordered to pay £100 costs and a £20 victim surcharge

Jones and Collins both pleaded guilty to religiously aggravated public order, with Jones fined £120 and Collins £173.

Both were ordered to pay £300 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

Inspector Granville Sellers, from British Transport Police, said: “The train was extremely busy and the behaviour of Kelk, Collins and Jones was very uncomfortable and distressing for the other passengers on board who should not have to be subjected to such abhorrent conduct.

“The policing of these demonstrations can be very challenging; however British Transport Police will not tolerate inappropriate and offensive behaviour or language on the rail network and we will always take positive action against anyone who demonstrates such unacceptable behaviour.”